Vehicle Description
1946 Willys Jeep CJ2A
World War II saw the creation of one of America's most beloved
vehicles, the Jeep. Now primarily produced for consumer use, the
Jeep was once a military workhorse designed to move troops, help
the wounded and more. The story of the Jeep begins in the late
1930s, when the United States military was searching for a vehicle
that was light, rugged and could travel over rough terrain. By the
early 1940s, the Jeep's design was complete, and the rest is
history.
For consignment, a John Willys-Overland company produced Jeep,
Model CJ-2A. With a new body tub, new covers for the front and rear
seats, a brake overhaul, a new windshield cover and an unlikely
powerplant, we now have a comfortable (sic) truck from 1946. Oh,
and did I mention that our consignor states that this rig once
belonged to the former Secretary of State of Michigan, Richard
Austin? A real treat to drive, it bucks along, and honestly with
the 4-wheel drive, it will literally go anywhere. Case in point,
when I visited Elephant Hill, a very famous 4-wheel enthusiast must
climb in the wilds of Utah, what kind of truck came to the rescue
to pull out many a newer, and more advanced 4-wheel drive that got
stuck? Yup, it was a Willys!
Exterior
Featuring a higher off the ground than you'd imagine it to be
chassis, this all-steel truck is painted OD green, (olive drab
green for you civilian types), through and through. Utilitarian and
simple are the buzzwords here, but do not be put off, as this is a
true performer. There is no roof and no wipers so getting caught in
inclement weather will give you a real taste of what the GI's dealt
with on a daily basis. The familiar Willys Jeep grille is up front
along with chrome trimmed headlights and a simple rope wrapped OD
green steel front bumper. A new body tub made from the exact mold
of the original is in all steel and looks just fab with its simple
lines and Willy embossed fold down windshield. Simple strong Willys
wheels have been equipped with deeply treaded 6.50-16 tires all
around will get you through nearly anything the trail can throw at
you.
Interior
Again, simplicity reigns here, excepting for the newly covered OD
green canvas seats, the front with rear pockets, which actually
cushion your ride, while on a smooth surface is surprisingly? Still
bumpy! These seats are a front two bucket, and a rear bench has
been added so you can take your dog, or friends, or whatever to the
top of the hill. A simple metal dash houses centrally located
essential gauges which all work, and several knobs as well as the
driver's side ignition which is well within reach of the driver. OD
green steel makes up the flooring and on the center hump are 3
black knobbed shifters for the transmission and transfer case and
hi/low range engagement.
Drivetrain
Long gone is the Go-Devil 134ci L-headed 4 cylinder and now taking
up residence in the engine bay is a 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder courtesy
of a 1972 Ford Pinto. This mill is fed its required fossils and
oxygen through a 2bbl carburetor. This is attached to a 3-speed
manual transmission. This is a T-90 transmission, which is also
equipped with the Dana 18 transfer case, and 5.38 gears for the
Dana 25 front axle and Dana 41 rear axle on the 4-wheeling
side...as I said go through anything. Just remember it's not a
race, it's about getting there.
Undercarriage
Strong and beautifully designed, some surface rust, some patina but
from 1946 we are looking good under here. Drum brakes all around,
freshly rebuilt with new shoes, drums, lines, wheel cylinders and
master cylinder help you stop quickly and efficiently while leaf
spring suspension provides the ride front and rear. We note a
single exhaust system with a stock style muffler; however this
muffler is rusted out and will need replacement.
A very interesting ride with an interesting history and intermixed
with old school heavy duty 4WD technology, this does not
disappoint. A mostly comfortable interior, a buckboard ride, but
high enough off the ground to make it just plain fun to drive. And
imagine the heads that will turn on the trail when you pull out a
head job that got stuck in his Rover!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.